This blog was written by Team Canada leaders Caroline Gauthier, OBGYN MD and Kim T-V, RN MSc.

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Operation International Canada's recent humanitarian mission was a great success, defined by collaboration, knowledge sharing, and a collective commitment to improving patient care. Over the course of our stay, our multidisciplinary team successfully completed 93 surgical procedures, including gynecologic, breast, and general surgeries. Each operation was carried out safely and efficiently, with outcomes that exceeded expectations.

Within gynecology, numerous myomectomies and hysterectomies were performed for patients presenting with significantly enlarged fibroid uteri. Our gynecological, obstetrical specialists worked closely with the local surgical team to train them in the use of the Maylard incision, an approach that offers considerable advantages over the traditional vertical incision for these complex cases. By adopting this technique, the team can now benefit from reduced operative times, fewer postoperative complications, and decreased reliance on narcotics for pain management. In addition, the principles of laparoscopy were reviewed and strengthened, culminating in the successful completion of the first total laparoscopic hysterectomy for a uterus weighing more than one kilogram in Techiman, a significant milestone in the advancement of minimally invasive gynecologic surgery at the site.

In the field of breast surgery, extensive time was dedicated to training general surgery residents on techniques that were previously limited or inaccessible in Techiman. Core principles of mastectomy were reviewed, practiced, and contextualized to ensure that the local team is well equipped to manage future patients requiring breast surgery. Numerous general surgeries were also performed, ranging from complex hernia repairs to life saving interventions for patients presenting with peritonitis.

On the anesthesia side, multiple teaching sessions were delivered, focusing on safe and effective airway management and various intubation techniques. These sessions helped strengthen both confidence and capacity within the local anesthesia team.

Our nursing team, known for their passion and dedication, delivered several high impact training sessions on essential topics such as the management of gestational hypertension or preeclampsia, immediate postoperative evaluation of unstable patients, and immediate postpartum newborn monitoring. Thanks to their leadership, the recovery unit has now implemented the direct use of oxygen therapy for newborns experiencing early postnatal desaturation, marking a significant improvement in neonatal care practices.

Our primary care team members also worked closely with local family physicians, performing numerous patient consultations and diagnosing life threatening conditions such as AIDS. During our time at Holy Family Hospital, multiple local healthcare providers obtained certification in Fundamentals of Critical Care Support (FCCS) following training provided by our team.

In every aspect, this mission was a success. It was made possible by the participation, dedication, and wholehearted investment of extraordinary individuals who share a common vision: advancing the quality of healthcare through education, collaboration, and the empowerment of local providers. Together, we continue to build stronger, more sustainable systems of care for the communities we serve.